Press Statement

By Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs

U.S. Department of state
Bobby J. Pittman, Jr.
February 9, 2006
Nouakchott, Mauritania

   Over the past three days, I have had the honor to lead a delegation from the United States, representing the Departments of State and Defense, USAID, and the National Security Council.  The purpose of our visit was to demonstrate to the Mauritanian people strong U.S. support for democratization in Mauritania.  We have appreciated the warm welcome of the Mauritanian people and I would like to personally extend my thanks to all of the different groups with whom we met, including Colonel Vall, key members of the transitional government, the National Independent Electoral Commission, political parties, civil society, and religious and business leaders.  Throughout, we discussed the electoral process now underway and how the United States Government can support this democratic transition.  We urged all groups to adhere scrupulously to the ambitious election timetable that will enable Mauritania to join the global community of democratic states. 

   In addition to these discussions, the delegation also explored areas of mutual concern, such as human rights, press freedom, economic issues, and counter-terrorism.  These are all areas that we hope will develop further once Mauritania completes its transition to democracy.  Democratic elections are critical to reestablish normal bilateral relations.  As you are aware, the U.S. joined the African Union and other international partners in condemning the August 3, 2005 coup d’etat.  A credible electoral process will put U.S.- Mauritanian relations on a positive footing.  We look forward to broadening and expanding our bilateral cooperation once Mauritania’s democratic transition is complete.